Electoral draft law finalized: IEC

Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Sunday announced they have finalized the electoral law proposals and will submit to the Ministry of Justice.

IEC President Fazal Ahmad Manavi said 50 percent changes were made in the electoral law. The changes included Election Commission’s authority, amendments in the establishment of electoral complaint commission and operation plans on holding elections.

The Independent Election Commission had the authority to select its members, Manavi said, stressing the Presidential Elections should be held on its specified timetable in the country.

Manawi called on the government, civil society and the international community to support a fraud-free and transparent election.

Based on the constitution, the Presidential Election is to be held in 2014. However, recently President Karzai has talked about the possibility of early elections in the country.

The previous presidential and parliamentary elections were held by based on the legislative decree of President Karzai but now a new law is expected to be placed for the coming elections.

After reviewing the new proposed electoral law, the Ministry of Justice is set to submit it to the National Assembly for approval.

The new act will take effect after it is approved by the Parliament and signed by the President.